Meanings of 壅
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 壅
Podcast: 壅
Podcast: 壅
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 壅
阻 (zǔ) — use 壅 when referring specifically to physical blockage or obstruction, while 阻 is more general and can refer to hindering or preventing actions.
Be mindful that 壅 is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation; phrases like 'to block' (阻挡) might be more frequently heard. A common mistake is to confuse 壅 with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to context and usage.
This character is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, but understanding it can enhance your comprehension of more advanced texts. Focus on its meaning in relation to other words about obstruction or blockage, such as 阻止 (zǔzhǐ) and 拦 (lán).
Learners often confuse 壅 with 阻, mistakenly using it in phrases like '壅路' instead of '阻路' for 'block the road'. Always use the correct character based on the context.
Pronunciation of 壅
Drill the tone of 壅 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 壅
earth
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 壅
- 1The meaning half土 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half雍 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayearth
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 壅? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 壅?
Decomposition of 壅
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 壅?
How to say to block; to obstruct in Chinese
“to block; to obstruct” in Chinese is壅
The character 壅 (yōng) means to block or obstruct something. It is often used in contexts where an obstacle prevents movement or flow, such as blocking a road or obstructing a view. Additionally, it can refer to the act of heaping soil around the roots of a plant, which relates to nurturing growth.
When to use 壅
Be mindful that 壅 is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation; phrases like 'to block' (阻挡) might be more frequently heard. A common mistake is to confuse 壅 with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to context and usage.
壅 or something close to it
阻 (zǔ) — use 壅 when referring specifically to physical blockage or obstruction, while 阻 is more general and can refer to hindering or preventing actions.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 壅 with 阻, mistakenly using it in phrases like '壅路' instead of '阻路' for 'block the road'. Always use the correct character based on the context.
Write 壅
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 壅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 壅
Compound Meaning
What does 壅 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 壅
The pronunciation is 'yōng', with the first tone being high and level.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 壅?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.